Diagram to show sequence of events leading
to clumping of red blood cells in a rhesus positive (Rh+) fetus in a rhesus
negative (Rh-) mother during second preganancy.
A,B First preganancy
A Fetal red blood cells
pass into mother's blood stream by damage to the palcenta
B Anti-Rh+ antibodies appear
in mother's blood
C,D Second pregnancy
C Anti-Rh+ antibodies pass
from mother's blood stream to fetal blood stream
D Reaction of Rh+ antigen
on fetal red blood cells and Rh+ antibody causes clumping of fetal red
blood cells
E Fetal red blood cell with
Rh+ antigen
F Rh+ antibody
1 Placenta
1a Mother's blood stream
1b Fetal blood stream
2 Umbilical cord
3 Fetus